Page 77 of Bleeding for the Prince
“I am choosing not to rise to the bait,” Metra said. “I shouldn’t expect you not to have a dig if it’s offered.”
“Was that you agreeing for me to make some enquiries?”
Metra nodded. “Do I want to know who?”
“I’m sure you can guess. My Prince’s Beloved is somewhat of a rising star in his society; some might say he has some very important backers. One who wants to see him happy.”
Metra held up his hands. “I’ve heard enough. I want to maintain plausible deniability if I’m asked. Just let me know if you are able to bring our marriage to the correct conclusion without a load of political sniping.”
“I will, but note that if I can’t find a way to make the dissolution of our marriage look like there is no friction between us, then you should realise my people won’t care if I force a divorce. It might take longer; you could put in barriers, and the discourse might not look so good, but I don’t give a fuck. I will get my freedom.”
“Believe me, I want my own. We’ve at least reached a point where we can have a semi-civil conversation, which I will take as a win, and we should be grateful that whatever happens, we won’t need to co-parent.”
Hyax laughed. “Fucking hell. No chance.”
There was an increase in background noise and it looked like people were gathering around the happy couple. “I’ll stay for the toasts, but then I’m going to leave,” Hyax said as they made their way over.
“Thanks for coming. I look forward to hearing if your conversations will work to our best interests.”
He stayed as promised, then slipped away after offering his personal congratulations to the happy couple. He returned to the palace rather than home, as he wanted to speak to his mother before he mentioned the possibility of the Tasharickhosting the Calanti. If they could work Gwil’s idea in as well, it would be a win-win situation.
His mother used various rooms around the palace depending on who she was entertaining and how many. She had private rooms where only family members were allowed and an official office, but he’d checked all the places he’d expected her to be and there was no sign.
None of the servants knew where she was, and he had to hunt down her secretary, who hadn’t wanted to divulge where she was or who she was with. Hyax wondered if she was adding a new lover to her harem, although she had never been super secretive about her lovers, so unless it was someone really unexpected, he didn’t think that was the answer either.
There was one other place, an observation deck at the top of the north turret. The room was lovely, and his mother had used it when she was nursing, but rarely these days and not at this time of year because the view was limited due to the weather.
He climbed the stairs and heard voices as he approached. One was his mother’s, and he was surprised when he recognised the other as being King James. He muttered a spell to hide his presence and tried to remain as quiet as possible.
“Stop hiding, Hyax. We know you’re there,” Talia called and heard James chuckle.
He stepped into the circular stone room. Neither James nor Talia were dressed in their finery, which would have been more usual for a state visit, and looked to be sharing a bottle of wine.
Hyax bowed to James. “Apologies for interrupting, Your Majesty. I was looking for my mother, and believe it or not, you and your tribe was the topic I wanted to discuss.”
He was not invited to sit, but they didn’t appear to be upset at his arrival. “That does sound intriguing,” James said, amused. “Although no doubt you’re rather taken aback that I’m sittinghere with your mother, so I have to admit I like the fact you didn’t skip a beat.”
“I did say, of all my children, Hyax was the one most suited to diplomacy,” Talia said, the pride evident in her tone. “His burgeoning friendship with your Simon is an excellent example.”
“I am not friends with Simon for purely political motivation. We are well-suited and can appreciate our similar problems.” Hyax thought it better not to let James think otherwise.
“You both have vampire spouses, and we are a particular breed; you should speak to my wife.” James laughed. “Although I like to think my fae side tempers things a bit.”
James had been supportive of his relationship with Gwil, and using the branch of magic that having a vampire as a partner would facilitate. “I’m sure we both appreciate our unique positions. We realise that there may be some concerns about our friendship.”
Perhaps that was why James was here, but somehow he didn’t think so, given the reception he’d received so far.
“I’d say that even a year ago, that would’ve been the case, but things are changing. I believe you are aware of the court session Simon attended. Since then, I have been meeting with the leaders of the other tribes, your mother several times.”
“Oh.” Not what he was expecting.
Talia rolled her eyes. “You are a prince of the realm, Hyax. I’m sure you're capable of a more effusive response.”
His mother had a point. “I was just taking a moment to appreciate the new relationship that is developing. Simon and I had talked about a future where our tribes were reunited, but did not realise that future would be upon us so soon. For which I am happy.”
“We have been separated from our natural allies for too long,” James said. “From my discussions, we are on the brink ofa new dawn. One that would not only be beneficial for my tribe but all seven.”
Talia nodded. “It is indeed an important juncture.”
